Mikko Mäkelä’s film “Sebastian” delves into the life of a young gay writer whose journey to fame steers him towards the world of sex work. The film, featuring a captivating performance by actor Ruaridh Mollica, is more than just a showcase of steamy love scenes; it is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores identity, empowerment, and the gig economy.
“Sebastian,” which premiered in theaters on Friday after screenings at the Provincetown Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, follows Max (Mollica), a 25-year-old journalist at a trendy London publication. With professional success already in his grasp, Max secures a coveted interview with “American Psycho” author Bret Easton Ellis. His next ambition is to write a novel about the underground world of queer sex workers.
Encouraged by a publisher to write the book as a first-person narrative, Max decides to experience sex work himself. Adopting the persona of “Sebastian,” he becomes an escort on a gay hookup app. To his surprise, Max finds joy in his new side gig and develops a touching friendship with Nicholas (Jonathan Hyde), a retired professor and client. However, balancing his secret life with his professional persona proves challenging.
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Director Mäkelä, whose previous work includes “A Moment in the Reeds,” penned the screenplay for “Sebastian” after moving to London from Finland. He was inspired by the ways sex workers were thriving in the gig economy, utilizing apps and platforms like OnlyFans to connect with clients.
“There’s a misconception that sex workers are always the victims of exploitation,” Mäkelä told HuffPost. “I wanted to create a character for whom sex work was an empowered choice rather than a last resort.”
Mollica, who is of Italian and Scottish descent, found the film to be a parallel to his own life as he navigated his identity after moving to London. “I love that the film is a story of self-acceptance and overcoming fears,” he said.
For the film’s intimate scenes, Mollica worked with an intimacy coordinator to ensure comfort and safety on set. Despite the initial discomfort, he described the experience as “really fun” and noted the zenlike state that came from syncing with his co-star.
Early reviews for “Sebastian” have been mixed, but the film is set to elevate the careers of both Mollica and Mäkelä. Mollica has already lined up several new projects, including the HBO comedy “The Franchise” and the Disney+ drama “A Thousand Blows.” Mäkelä, meanwhile, plans to start a new film next year set during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 1980s London.
“I’m very interested in queer history and uncovering stories that couldn’t be told at the time,” Mäkelä said. He aims to highlight the enduring fears and passions that resonate across different eras.
“Sebastian” is a compelling film that challenges stereotypes and offers a fresh perspective on the lives of sex workers in the modern gig economy. As audiences engage with Max’s journey, they may find themselves questioning their own preconceptions and understanding of empowerment and identity.
